A NEW transport service catering for vulnerable people in Middlesbrough is being launched despite running at a £50,000 loss.

The existing Dial-a-Ride scheme is massively underused on weeknights after 10pm and over weekends, at a cost to Middlesbrough Council of £51,500.

Despite the shortfall, a decision to scrap buses running at unpopular times has been deferred for a year due to pressure from reliant passengers.

Maggie OKeefe, a regular user, wrote to the council to say if the weekend buses were cancelled, the cost of travelling to church on Sundays with her husband by taxi would double.

She said: "We live in a very selfish society now and therefore it is vital that disabled and elderly people dont become isolated or housebound.

"We are very lucky because we both receive travel allowances in our benefits but people over 65 and those with different circumstances are not so lucky.

"At that age you no longer have the capability or the confidence that you had as a youngster and that is why Dial-a-Ride as a whole is essential.

The Dial-a-Ride service will merge with day centre transport arrangements to create a single transport service known as Ayresome Community Transport (ACT) operating from June 1.

It will continue to operate seven days a week between 7.30am and 11pm for the next year, allowing time to find alternative solutions.

An ACT user group consisting of former Dial-a-Ride board members and bus users is now being established.

It will look at operating times and charges as well as any potential business opportunities.

Julia Rostron, Executive Member for Social Care at Middlesbrough Council said: "The availability of transport is a key factor in enabling people with relatively low level needs to maintain their independence, well-being and enjoy a good quality life.

"By merging these two services we will be able to maintain a viable and efficient transport service for people who are unable, or find it difficult, to use public transport due to illness or disability."

Anyone wanting to become a member of the new customer forum to develop the service can write to Steve Giles, Ayesome Community Transport, 1 Letitia Street, Stockton Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4BE, telephone him on 01642-224606 or email him at steve_giles@middlesbrough.gov.uk